For one of my college English classes (a children's lit. class,) I had an opportunity to write a children's book to satisfy the school's required independent project (At that time, lengthy independent projects were required for all weekend classes). It was during that class that I realized I wanted to try writing children's books. I really enjoyed learning about children's literature and all the different types of books within children's lit. Learning about what inspired each author was also very interesting. My daughters were young then, so I was reading a lot of children's books with them, as well.
Prior to publishing your two books, what other published writing had you done?
Prior to the 2 books, I hadn't published anything other than one article for the NJSCBWI's magazine. I also wrote 2 short stories that were praised by Lorian Hemingway. Those were stories for adults. One made the top 100 of her 2010 short story contest.
You’ve now published a picture book and a middle grade book? Which one was easier to do?
Neither. Both posed different and unique challenges. Both books required a ton of research. I revised a lot, trying to get each sentence as perfect as possible. Both included illustrations, which required working closely with the illustrators throughout. I don't think good books are easy no matter what genre.
What’s the status of your basketball poem getting published as a picture book?
Bryan Werts is illustrating this book right now. He illustrated the Hamilton book. I plan to query agents and editors, so I do not have a timeline right now. My preference would be to have this one available by the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026.
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
This is a tough question. I want to say I wish I had more insight into the business side of things. For example: Amazon ads, press releases, gaining awards & reviews prior to publishing...those sorts of things. I have learned quite bit over the past 10+ years. Also, I wish I knew about all the smaller to medium sized publishers. I only focused on the big ones when I first started querying. In hindsight, I probably should have queried smaller ones first, to get my foot in the door. I wish I knew how important reviews were.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Never give up and trust your gut. This is life advice that I use for everything. "Never give up..." came from the late and great basketball coach - JIMMY V! (JimmyV.org) A big-time editor once told me to put my first book in a draw and work on something else due to not receiving an offer from the big publishers Had I listened to him, I wouldn't have enjoyed the success of that first book. My gut told me to keep going and not give up. I felt I had a unique book that should be published. That book finished ahead of Wiley Blevins and R.J. Alley in the 2015 Moonbeam Awards. I didn't even know who R.J. was until recently. A friend recently told me how BIG that was to finish ahead of RJ. I knew how big Wiley was, but I did not know about RJ. "SO Never give up! EVER!" -Jimmy V. Because you never know!
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I believe in having a good editor or two. It is very important to get professional feedback on your stories throughout the process. It can help you find your true story and/or improve it and deal with issues. I can't say enough about my editors. Jim Whiting, a well-published children's author, edited both of my children's books. I learned a lot about writing from him. In addition to Jim, I have used Writer's Digest for some editing.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I believe in having a good editor or two. It is very important to get professional feedback on your stories throughout the process. It can help you find your true story and/or improve it and deal with issues. I can't say enough about my editors. Jim Whiting, a well-published children's author, edited both of my children's books. I learned a lot about writing from him. In addition to Jim, I have used Writer's Digest for some editing.
Keep learning! I have read a ton of books about writing for children. Never stop learning. I also follow a handful of blogs to stay up to date on the industry. Develop a thick skin early. Remember many great authors were rejected quite a bit. *For me, research has been very crucial to all of my stories. For example: research gave me a key piece of info. for Savanna's Treasure. While I had tons of facts and ideas and subplots, I didn't have a main plot to drive the story. So, I researched - A LOT! When I learned that mice were a delicacy in Africa's Serengeti, I knew I had found my plot. Because mice are hunted and sold over there, I felt I had something similar to the pig in Charlottes' Web. That fact became my plot! I use research when I am stuck. It has helped so much with all of my stories!
What's next in writing for you?
The basketball poem book is next. After that, I have to decide on my adult novel or another children's book. I have 2 ideas for children's books. One is already written but needs to revised quite a bit. I have a short story I would like to get back to and also some poems.
In addition, my Alexander Hamilton book will soon have a 6 page educator's guide put together by teacher and acclaimed author, Marcie Colleen. It will be available in April 2025.
Savanna's Treasure has a 3-page activity guide that was created by The Children's Book Review.
I will share upcoming signing events via social media and my website. I am available for school and library events as well.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about his books, here's the links to do that.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00JLXNKY0
Website: https://cbauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisb32
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